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It’s always a bit of an anti-climax, you welcome in the new year with optimistic vigour only to be thwarted by the cold and dark of the Great British winter. Well, we may well have found something to give you the warmth that is cruelly lacking this time of year.

What is this antidote to jack frost and a lack of daylight?

Well, maybe this it:

are proud to present

The Moscow City Ballet begin their eagerly awaited 2015 tour with two of their much-loved and enchanting performances of Swan Lake and Giselle.

Giselle beautifully tells the tale of those eponymous village girl who dies of a broken heart when her peasant lover Albrecht is unmasked as a nobleman who is betrothed to another.

Mon 22 Dec 2014 We’re pleased to be able to announce that our headline act for the 2015 Derby Comedy Festival will be Jimmy Carr with his hit Funny Business show!Jimmy’s been described as ‘the hardest working man in comedy’. Which, let’s face facts, is not that impressive. It’s like being the ‘tallest dwarf’ or the ‘healthiest Glaswegian’. Really not that big a deal. Funny Business is Jimmy’s brand new stand up show. Audiences should come for the witty and incisive musings on the human condition and stay for the knob gags.The announcement of Jimmy as headliner for the festival is really good news as his show in last year’s festival had to be cancelled due to the closure of the Assembly Rooms.Jimmy will be performing at the Derby Arena on Fri 10 Jul and there will be a 48 hour pre-sale for all those who had tickets to see him at last year’s festival. Tickets are on general sale from 24 Dec 2014

Going out on a limb here! about to introduce to you one of the most exciting alternative rock bands in the UK, and their based in Derbyshire!!!

Refreshingly different, The Four Fours, Matt – Vocals, Chris – Guitars and Rich on Drums (I’d love to give you their surnames but, apparently, they don’t have one… none of them!!!) were originally members of math rock outfit ‘You Slut!‘ which comes through in this new venture but a lot more as well! Mixing various styles, The Four Fours have come up with a sound that deserves to be heard… and preferably LIVE!

Their recently released EP, entitled ‘Count To Ten’ is a gem! Two tracks of ‘interesting’ lyrics based on Si-Fi and love and a great alternative rock sound. The choruses are far too catchy, bordering on infectious…

You get what I mean?

It’s almost pop but with enough of their soul still there to earn the ‘alternative rock’ title, I like these guys… a lot!

They tell me they intend to release a new track on the 29th September, I’m looking forward to that but while we wait try this…

no video this time:

It’s early days yet for The Four Fours but if they continue to write tracks like ‘Count To Ten’ and ‘Messing With History’ then they could well be destined of big things, we will be watching intently and enjoying their journey almost as much as they are!

Al and Bet’s relationship is on the rocks. He has recently lost his job, she works in a shoe shop and can only dream of a better life, but things are about to change…

When Bet wins a romantic night in the city of love, Al wonders who she’ll take along…! Resigned to taking her husband though, before long, they are both up to their necks in culture, clothes and croissants. Paris ignites their relationship like never before, but the reality of returning home always looms large. Join Al and Bet in this hilarious romantic adventure, Olivier-nominated for Comedy of the Year when it premiered and featuring John Godber’s unique brand of observational comedy.

HOLY & HORNY

Written and Performed by Tonya Joy Bolton

27 September

HOLY & HORNY

This extraordinary, thought provoking show is a compelling story of love, longing and the ultimate betrayal.

In the production, actress and author Tonya Joy Bolton explores one woman’s struggle to remain holy despite being horny as hell! She draws on a variety of art forms such as comedy, mime, physical theatre, song, poetry and drama.

This enthralling show follows Sheila’s amazing journey as she embarks on a set of disastrous dates which lead to unexpected life-changing consequences.

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by TheGuyWithaStick

TheGuyWithaStick is a project promoting music, arts and theatre around the East Midlands, UK. Started by John Blackmore, a disabled person living in Leicester, England.
TheGuyWithaStick is a ‘hub’ for Music, Arts & Theatre, delivered through … See the whole story

Hailing from Ilkeston in Derbyshire, Matt Henshaw describes his current location has Derby, Nottingham and Leicester… he gets about this guy! In fact, Matt Henshaw has to be one of the hardest working musicians around. It often seems there is not a day or night goes by that Matt is not adorning a stage somewhere in the UK, it’s quite understandable to suspect there may well be several Matt Henshaws, all cloned from the original, but no! I can assure you there is only one Matt Henshaw… only one, brilliantly talented, trend setting, soul saving, Matt Henshaw!

Matt describes his style of music as ‘rhythmic gospel’, and in doing so Matt invents a whole new genre which, without the blink of an eye or a scratch of music journalists head, the genre is accepted… and why not! What Matt does, and does expertly, is his own thing! He’s not bothered about ‘pigeon holes’ or classifications, he is bothered about his life and his life is music!

Matt has had something of a rebirth lately, standing-down from his University job to concentrate on relaunching his career in music, following his epiphany on the road to stardom and alcoholism which saw the demise of his former, and very highly rated, band ‘Censored’ in 2008. Since this time Matt has done some amazing things, from recording a cracking album with MC Rudimental st al, to re-launching his career. You can’t keep this guy down, he is determined, he’s confident and he is one of the most decent human beings I have had the pleasure of meeting he’s also destined for success!!!

TheGuyWithaStick have included a couple of Matt Henshaw tracks on the acoustic playlist on the ‘Feature’ tab at www.theguywithastick.com

Derby Festé is back!

Derby Festé 2014 will take place in the city centre on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th September and promises to be thrilling, exciting and illuminating. To watch the trailer for this year’s event click here.

Derby Festé kicks off on Friday evening with a family party atmosphere with Spark! drummers, street dance theatre from Bad Taste Company and a DJ set from Da Sunlounge.

Saturday’s headline act is the incredible Voalá Company with their stunning performance Muaré. This promises to be “an unforgettable experience” as Bass’ Recreation Ground is taken over by a mesmerising cocktail of live rock music and aerial acrobatics. Tickets for Voala are £5 (advance) with Family Tickets at £15 (advance). Tickets will also be available on the night at £7. Visit derbyfeste.com for more details or to book your tickets.

The festival will launch with a special event the previous weekend on 12-13 September, the beautiful and bonkers FLOWN by Pirates of the Carabina at Derby Theatre. Packed with thrills, extraordinary feats, laughs and live music, FLOWN is confidently choreographed chaos. Visit derbyfeste.com to book your tickets.

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The music scene in the East Midlands is kicking at the moment and nowhere more so than Burton-on-Trent. Burton are producing some top artists and band, we have previously highlighted Wet Lettuce and the Magik Bean… who have recently signed a record deal with LMC Records, well here’s another band to keep an eye on… the awesome Arcadians!

Formed in 2013, The Arcadians are a 4 piece indie/rock band playing original compositions. The band comprise of: Jamie Cavanagh – Vocals & Lead Guitar, Ed Petch – Rhythm Guitar, Jack Lenaghan – Bass and Dan Alton – Drums. A busy bunch, they have been winning friends across the East Midlands and have received some good reviews, not least from Burton’s own ‘Brew Town’.f you like indie then The Arcadians are right up your street, we like… a lot!

On stage it’s clear they know their stuff, its also clear that they enjoy what they do. We at theguywithastick.com try to avoid comparisons but with The Arcadians it’s difficult not to see a little more than a hint of The Arctic Monkeys. but, don’t let that fool you! The Arcadians are very much their own people, this isn’t a tribute band, this is a top-notch indie band with some great riffs and original thought which comes through in well thought-out original compositions…

They have great stage presence and draw their audience in with some really catchy riffs clever lyrics, you can’t help but get involved. If you just want to stand a look at a band playing, then, The Arcadians may not be for you, but, if you want to go to a gig, get right into the music and come away feeling you got your monies worth, then, go and see The Arcadians… you won’t be sorry!

As part ofDerbyFeste finale,Surtal Arts and Charity Shop DJ has put together ‘after party’ to celebrate 100 years of Indian Cinema. Derby’s Market Place will be transformed as it welcomes people to experience dazzling world of Bollywood andentertainthe audience with spectacular dance and music extravaganza,Mubai style street food withthelegendary vegetariancatererMirch Masala and Bollywood fashion accessories made available by some of the Asian design houses in Derby .The event also showcases an exclusive exhibition of rare hand painted Bollywood cinema, courtesy of Charity Shop DJ.Although its a late start but it is a family friendly event so please come and join us for a party of life time…..do not forget to bring your dancing shoes!’The programme includes:

Starting with Dhol Drummers at 8.45pm will lead you from Cathedral Green (near Silk Mill Museum) to the dazzling Bollywood Party on the Market Place.

Kicked off by the FlameOz fire show.

Featuring live drama, music and dance with Javvani Dance Company.

Derbys very own Bhangra singers, JK, Kulvinder Johal, Gurbhej Brar and music producer Truskool make a special appearance to support Bollywood Party as they performs their latest blockbuster single ‘Puth Jattan De’.

Gurbhej Brar, Kulvinder Johal and the hottest commodity within the UK Bhangra industry – JK have become the hottest commodity in the Bhangra industry courtesy of talented local music producer Truskool.

The music for ‘Puth Jattan De’ is supplied courtesy of none other than the trendsetter himself – TRU – SKOOL(Surjit Singh Olk0). ‘Puth Jattan De’ is the long awaited return of Tru-Skool after the record breaking INTERNATIONAL SMASH HIT album ‘Back to Basics’ alongside the Panjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh. Tru-Skoolis one such artist who is synonymous with going against the grain and providing music that others wouldn’t dare to. True-school has ensured that ‘Puth Jattan De’ receives the royal treatment it deserves with crisp, clean compositions, menacing percussion and a double dose injection of Panjabi Folk. Once again, Tru-Skool has spared no efforts in delivering a sound that is unreservedly RAW, unflinchingly FOLK and unmistakably pure PANJABI.

This track will be a delight for audiences locally and internationally as ‘Puth Jattan De’ boasts a truly versatile and varied line up of vocalists that each bring a distinctively different flavour to the track. The track has been used in one of the Panjabi film recently and already its been a mega hit in India. Puth Jatten De is bound to get everyone to dancing.

An exhibition of original Indian cinema posters from Charity Shop DJs own collection.

Mumbai street bazaar and DJs playing the hits of Bollywood. Join in, learn the steps, and shimmy to Bollywood hits past and present.

Dont miss live performance by Bollywood Grooves on stage at 9.45pm.

And more….

Food stalls – inspired by the street foods of Mumbai

Stalls full of wonderful Indian jewellery and fashion

Live Cooking demonstrations

Bollywood Face painting.

Come along and bring your friends and family to this fun filled evening!